commencement

They arrived in the fall of 2013 and soon will take their leave as members of the University of Rochester graduating class of 2017. Here is a collection of photos…

The University of Rochester will recognize the outstanding contributions of distinguished leaders, scholars, and humanitarians by bestowing 2017 honorary degrees, medals, and awards for scholarship and teaching.

The Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna ’75, Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, is the first Latino to serve on the country’s second highest court. He will be bestowed the Charles Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal, the University’s highest alumni award.

WQXR-FM, the leading classical music station in the country, counted speeches by two Eastman School of Music alumni among its listing of the six most inspiring given this season to graduates of music schools and conservatories.

In ceremonies starting today, the University will recognize the achievements of more than 3,000 graduates who have earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across all schools. Share your commencement memories and congratulatory messages for the Class of 2016 at #ur2016.

Members of the Class of 2016 decorate their mortarboards for this weekend's commencement ceremonies. (University photo / Brandon Vick)

Graduating seniors are invited to bring their mortarboards and their imagination, and choose from paint, stickers, letters and more at this year's cap decoration event. Bubble guns will be given to the first 200 participants.

The University will recognize outstanding contributions of distinguished leaders, scholars and humanitarians by bestowing honorary degrees, Eastman Medals, Hutchison Medals, and awards for scholarship and teaching at this year's commencement ceremonies.

Erica Fee ‘99, award-winning theatre and festival producer, is the founding producer and board president of the First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival, the annual, multi-disciplinary arts festival in downtown Rochester.

The combined master’s degree ceremony will give master’s graduates from October, March and May an opportunity to walk across the stage and individually celebrate their academic achievement.